Flail chest triggers when at least three ribs are broken in two or more places.
Flail chest is usually sparked by a very serious accident, such as a motor vehicle crash.
This article looks at the symptoms and causes of flail chest.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
It also explains how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
What Does a Flail Chest Sound Like?
Rarely, flail chest is due to weak bones or bone disease.
From there, one or more chestX-raysmay be done to fully examine the chest area.
Medical professionals will monitor for changes in breathing that could be a sign of respiratory failure from flail chest.
What to Do
Flail chest is a medical emergency.
Be sure that whatever caused the injury is no longer a threat to themor you.
If you cannot call 911, get the injured person to emergency medical help as soon as possible.
Stabilize the Flail Chest
Use a pillow to put pressure on the flail segment.
Stabilizing the area will reduce the chances of damage to the heart, lungs, and surrounding tissues.
If a pillow is not available, almost anything soft will do.
Roll up a jacket or a blanket.
make a run at remain as calm as possible and provide assurance that help is on the way.
This condition is considered a medical emergency.
There will also be severe pain and possibly difficulty breathing.
If you or someone you are with may have flail chest, call 911 immediately.
Depending on the the injured person’s condition, emergency surgery may be necessary.
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